Letters to the Editor: Sept. 15, 2017

Friday

Sep 15, 2017 at 1:01 AM

Do your part to celebrate Constitution Week

The Constitution of the United States is the central legal document of American government and the supreme law of the land. For 230 years, it has provided the basis for individual freedom and political stability. For over two centuries it has remained in force because its framers wisely separated and balanced governmental powers to safeguard the interests of majority rule and minority rights.

Our Constitution, the world’s oldest written constitution in use today, has served as a model for a number of other constitutions around the world. To meet the changing needs of a nation now very different from the world in which its founding fathers lived, it has evolved through amendments.

The basic reason for the Constitution was to create a strong elected government, directly responsive to the will of the people. If we are to be responsible Americans, we must be familiar with the rights and responsibilities provided for by our Constitution. We need to be sure our elected officials are enforcing it and are not actively trying to undermine the very law on which America was established.

Sept. 17-23 is Constitution Week. This is a good time to become familiar again with what our Constitution says. To celebrate our heritage, let me urge everyone to fly their flags in honor of Constitution Week, sponsored by the Bayou Lafourche Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.

Roxie Sykes

Member, Constitution Week Committee

Bayou Lafourche Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution

Protect your pets from natural disasters

Hurricanes Irma and Harvey are devastating reminders that disaster preparedness saves lives. American Humane is urging pet owners to take two simple — yet essential — steps to ensure you and your animal companions are ready before the next catastrophe strikes.

First, don’t forget the basics: Pets should always wear collars and I.D. tags with their name, a cell phone number and any urgent medical needs. For added assurance, American Humane also recommends microchipping your pet. Remember, microchips aren’t GPS devices or location trackers. The devices simply store emergency contact information, which animal owners are responsible for providing and keeping up-to-date. Not sure where your best friend stands? Ask your veterinarian to check the registration status of your pet’s microchip.

Second, American Humane recommends developing a pet-specific disaster plan and evacuation kit, including an extensive list of safe places — such as emergency animal shelters, pet-friendly hotels and trusted relatives and friends located in another region — that could house your pets during an emergency; a comfortable pet carrier or crate; a favorite toy or comfort item, like a blanket; one-week supplies of water, nonperishable pet food and medications; copies of veterinary records and vaccination history; and recent photos of you holding your pet, which can be used to help verify ownership in case of unexpected separation.

Our beloved four-legged family members should never be left behind in a disaster. To protect your pets, be prepared.

Dr. Robin Ganzert

President and CEO of American Humane

Nurses are helping to keep patients safe

If you or someone you love has had a surgical procedure, a perioperative registered nurse was directly responsible for you or your loved one's well-being throughout the operation. While all of the other medical professionals in the room, including the surgeon, anesthesia provider, surgical assistant and other assistants, are focused on their specific duties, the perioperative registered nurse focuses on the patient for the duration of the procedure.

Each year during Perioperative Nurse Week, which is Nov. 12-18 this year, I renew my commitment to be my patients' advocate and to safe patient care by following the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses' evidence based guidelines.

The next time you or a family member is a surgical patient, ask us about what we do to keep patients safe. Please join us in celebrating perioperative nurses and our dedication to safe patient care for 2017 Perioperative Nurse Week.

Sheila L. Allen

Baton Rouge

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